Self-regulating heating systems based on electrically conductive thermoplastic elastomers with positive temperature coefficient (PTC)
Abstract
Self-regulating heating systems are just one of many possible applications for polymer based positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors. To create an electrically conductive polymer it is necessary to incorporate a conductive filler into the polymer matrix with a filler concentration around the percolation threshold. The specific property of PTC materials is the sharp rise of electrical resistance at an adjustable temperature. The steady state temperature depends on the selected polymer matrix, the applied voltage, the dimensions of the component or the electrodes. Besides this, the PTC effect is reversible. The materials available on the market often have an insufficient flexibility and a poor adhesion to the overmoulded electrodes. In order to solve these issues, the company Allod focuses on the development of flexible materials with PTC effect.
